Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has warned that China cannot replace the United States, rebuking Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent outreach to the Asian superpower amid strained ties with the Trump administration. In a speech to business leaders on Thursday, Poilievre outlined his party's vision for the country's relationship with the US and how it would approach the trade war differently from the Carney government.
Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated in a speech to business leaders on Thursday that China cannot serve as a substitute for the US. He rebuked Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent outreach to Beijing, arguing against abandoning ties with Canada's biggest customer and closest neighbour.
Poilievre said: “That is why we should not declare a permanent rupture with our biggest customer and closest neighbour in favour of a strategic partnership for a new world order with Beijing – a regime the prime minister himself said was the biggest threat to Canada just a year ago.”
The remarks come amid strained Canada-US relations due to policies under the Trump administration. Carney's government has recently extended overtures to China to counter potential trade frictions.
Speculation that Carney may call an election has intensified in recent weeks, but he has already persuaded three lawmakers from Poilievre's party to join his Liberals, a sign the prime minister may consolidate his hold on power without triggering a national vote.
Poilievre's position highlights differing views within Canadian politics on relations with the US and China, emphasizing the need to maintain traditional alliances with the United States.
